Living my providential plan
The Lord knows how to rescue the devout from trial and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment (2 Peter 2:9)
In his 2nd letter, St. Peter implores upon us to avoid the false teachers of the world and instead remain steadfast, enduring as God’s chosen ones until the end. Much of that which Peter speaks pertains to of errant speech which, in its arrogance eventually leads us to ‘sins of the flesh’ (our appetites for food, drink, and sex). While multiple venial sins do not equal a mortal sin, they do weaken us and put us at risk of then sinning gravely. We can see this in the world around us and in our own lives. The venial sins weaken our love of God making it easier to distance ourselves from Him one step at a time.
The Holy Spirit is always with us, beckoning us to stay in the fold with our Good Shepherd. So why is it so difficult to endure? Thinking more about the steadfast spirit, realistically it isn’t always our own weakness and lack of response to the Holy Spirit that starts the dominoes of desolation into motion. The impetus is often another person’s lack of response to the Spirit. And unfortunately, our own disordered default reaction to that propels this forward.
It may happen when trying to follow God’s will in major life changes, only to have the lack of response to the Holy Spirit by another person involved seemingly bring it to a dead halt (nothing is ever truly a dead halt, this is just another deception of the enemy!). Or it could be the dynamics of everyday relationships at home or work. Another person’s lack of response to the Spirit could be completely unintentional, born out of their own broken biology. Or it could be completely intentional, the pain in their heart manifesting in a mean way.
For us, all that matters is our own providential plan. To think that God has a personal plan just for each of us individually, as unique as we are, is a joyful thought to keep hold of. Our own natural human reaction to the Spirit is our responsibility in this great plan of His. Our part is to turn to Him with our disordered default reactions so that He may heal them and put all into order again. Yet what do we do? We usually focus on the other person as the ‘problem’ and devise our own solutions typically founded in our judgmental assessment of them!
Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Particularly considering meanness (and this is too often the culture in the workplace, school, and even homes), people manipulate and attempt to control us in a multitude of ways. We assume we must self-protect and so find ways to defend ourselves. But if we bring our Lord into the situation, then they can’t harm us. The enemy wants to keep us focused on what he has put in front of us. Recalling the first rule of strategy is to not engage with the enemy, stepping out of the disordered dynamic as it is occurring allows us to view the entire ‘landscape’ of the issue. Calling upon God for help, He gives us new perspective—His perspective, His eyes with which to see. If, with confidence in knowing that God truly is with you, you continue forward in your steadfast spirit, the Holy Spirit has space to work within your soul and the situation. It is as if walking through a swarm of hornets. Our reaction is to swat at the ones who come too close. By our movement, however, we attract more to us. Wouldn’t it be better to confidently walk through a swarm of hornets unscathed? By repeating to oneself, “nothing matters but Jesus”, that’s exactly what will happen.
Easier said than done, true. But it’s in the practice that He perfects us. 😊
But your providence, O Father! guides it,
for you have furnished even in the sea a road,
and through the waves a steady path (Wisdom 14:3)
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam 😊
(Image by Ivan Torres via Unsplash)
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